Argerich, Chung to Harmonize in Korea, Japan
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Two titans of classical music ― pianist Martha Argerich and maestro conductor Chung Myung-whun ― will dazzle fans with a concert Wednesday evening at the Seoul Arts Center. This marks the start of the 10th Beppu Argerich Music Festival annually held in Japan. After the Seoul show, a series of concerts will take place across Oita and Beppu and finally Tokyo May 21.
With the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, the world-renowned pianist will perform her most illustrative repertoire, Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3. Noted as the best of the Russian composer's five piano concertos, it was completed in 1921 shortly after the Russian Revolution. Evoking dynamic Russian folk music, it features an extravagant, technically demanding piano solo that harmonizes well with the grand orchestra.
The Argentinean pianist and South Korean conductor have performed several times together for this particular piece overseas, including feted 1998 concerts in Rome and the Beppu Argerich Festival. In 1999, Argerich's recording of the work with maestro Charles Dutoit won her the Grammy Award for best orchestra solo.
Argerich reunites with Chung to give Korean fans their mighty first ― one that is expected to create a lasting buzz. As music critic Christian Merlin once said, ``hearing Archerich's performance always means accompanying a moment of history'' (Le Figaro, December 2006).
Noted as one of the greatest living pianists, the 67-year-old rose to superstardom by winning two major international piano competitions within a three-week interval in 1957 (Geneva and Bousoni) as well as the Chopin in 1965. Since the 1980s, she concentrated mostly on small chamber performances. The upcoming concert marks one of her rare appearances with a full size orchestra.
At the Wednesday concert, Chung will conduct Bruckner's 6th Symphony for the first time here. As artistic director of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, the maestro is applauded as a ``chef spirituel'' (spiritual leader). He is also known for inspiring the great French composer Olivier Messiaen's last piece, ``Concert a Quatre.''
The Seoul Philharmonic, ever since Chung assumed its artistic leadership two years ago, has been admired for creating a new, dynamic sound. The synergy effect between two great artists is one of the most exciting events for the local classical music scene.
Chung, also a premier pianist who gave Korea its first-ever Tchaikovsky Piano Competition prize in 1974, will join Argerich for the Sunday show in Oita, Japan. The two will play a fourhanded piece on the piano. It is part of an effort to promote cultural exchange between Korea and Japan, according to the Beppu-based Argerich Arts Foundation.
The Seoul concert starts 8 p.m., Wednesday at the Concert Hall. Tickets cost 50,000-200,000 won. The Seoul Arts Center is located near exit 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal station on subway line 3. A shuttle bus is available to and from the center. Call (02) 518-7343.
Club Balcony of local arts management agency Credia is offering a music-themed travel package to Beppu. A two-night, three-day tour (May 16-18) includes 10 Argerich Festival concerts (including a historic five-hour marathon chamber performance) and relaxing visits to hot springs.
Music specialist Hwang In-yong will accompany the tour. The package is 1.39 million won and includes a round-trip airplane ticket, lodging and other costs, except personal shopping expenses and visa fees. Call 1577-5266.
To learn more about the Beppu Argerich Festival, visit www.argerich-mf.jp/english.html.